Kevin Jones, a former firefighter from Runcorn, has been jailed for 15 years after admitting a string of sexual offences against a girl.
The 49-year-old, of Norman Road, pleaded guilty to six charges, including three counts of rape of a girl under 16. Cheshire Police said the abuse began when the victim was 13 and continued until she was 16.
Sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court, where Jones was also handed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order, and was placed on the sexual offenders list indefinitely.
Detective Constable Michaela Flynn described the abuse as "truly horrifying" and praised the victim's bravery and determination during the investigation. She said Jones had "systematically abused" the girl to fulfil his own sexual gratification.
Flynn expressed hope that the conviction would encourage other victims to come forward.
